Benue State Reschedules Local Government Elections to October 5, 2024
The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has announced a new date for the upcoming Local Government elections in the state. The election, initially slated for November 16, 2024, and previously postponed to July 6, 2024, has now been rescheduled to October 5, 2024.
The new date was revealed on Wednesday by Dr. John Chen, Chairman of the Commission, during a meeting with members of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and Civil Society. Chen explained that the change was necessary due to a recent Supreme Court ruling.
According to Chen, the Commission is working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible Local Government elections in the state. However, the Commission faces some challenges, including a lack of funds and operational vehicles.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee, Mr. Abu Umoru, urged the Commission to organize the elections promptly, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared Caretaker Committees at the local government level illegitimate. Umoru emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline set by the apex court for elected Councils to be in place, warning that failure to do so would negatively impact Local Government administration in the state.
Umoru also called for the unfreezing of the Commission’s accounts to enable the management to access funds necessary for immediate arrangements for the poll. The Commission is expected to overcome its challenges and ensure a successful election on the new date.
The rescheduling of the Local Government elections in Benue State is a significant development in the state’s electoral process. The Commission’s efforts to ensure a free, fair, and credible election will be closely watched by stakeholders and the public alike.
